These tour guides do more than show visitors around campus—they help future Falcons picture themselves here.
Choosing a college is a big decision.
At Concordia University Wisconsin, student ambassadors help prospective students see beyond the brochures and campus maps. Through tours, conversations and personal stories, they offer a firsthand look at life as a Falcon while answering questions about academics, residence life and what it means to be part of the Concordia community.
“During the summer, our campus is at its most beautiful and quietest,” says Lydia Nuechterlein, admissions visit operations coordinator. “Our student ambassadors help prospective students envision themselves at CUW beyond the summer months. We appreciate how effectively they share what they love about Concordia and why they chose this university.
“Being a summer student ambassador allows our students to continue serving in a role they love while experiencing a summer on Lake Michigan and all this area has to offer.”
This summer’s ambassadors bring a range of interests, experiences and perspectives to campus visits.
Get to know CUW’s summer student ambassadors
Gilead “Gilly” Adams
Senior, psychology and music
Ask senior Gilead “Gilly” Adams about campus life, and chances are you’ll leave the conversation feeling more connected to Concordia. Originally from Milwaukee, Adams is double majoring in psychology and music. Her tours feel more like conversations than presentations, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share their own interests. Often fueled by an iced caramel latte or caramel macchiato with oat milk, she chose “Introducing Me” by Nick Jonas as the song that best reflects her tour style: friendly, upbeat and focused on getting to know others.
Adams appreciates the close-knit community at Concordia and enjoys meeting new people while helping them imagine where they might fit in on campus.
Here’s what she had to say.
- Favorite spot on campus: Inside — the practice rooms; Outside — the weeping willow tree
- Go-to campus food order: Pepper jack grilled chicken sandwich from the Nest
- Best part about Concordia: The community
- Fun fact about yourself: “I can gobble like a turkey!”
- Advice for incoming students: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help—there are so many people willing to help you.”
- Hidden campus gem: The Veteran Services Office, where the therapy dogs like to spend time
- Most asked tour question: “How many students live on campus?”
Benjamin Zellmer
Senior, philosophy
Whether he welcomes families to campus, points out hidden traditions or encourages students to attend chapel, Ben enjoys helping prospective students feel at home at Concordia. Originally from Cedarburg, Wis., Zellmer is a senior majoring in philosophy with minors in pre-seminary studies and theological languages. Always wearing a friendly smile and occasionally carrying an iced latte, he brings a warm, approachable style to every tour. He chose “We Praise You and Acknowledge You” (LSB 941) as the song that best reflects his personality.
Zellmer values Concordia’s faith-centered environment and the worship life that brings students together throughout the week.
Here’s what he had to say.
- Favorite spot on campus: Chapel of Christ Triumphant
- Go-to campus food order: A wrap from the deli in the cafeteria
- Best part about Concordia: CUW’s faith and worship life
- Fun fact about yourself: “I love visiting Alaska, Hawaii and Costa Rica.”
- Advice for incoming students: “Daily Chapel is the best way to start your day. Feel free to show up to evening services, too. We’d love to see you there. It’s a great way to meet new people.”
- Hidden campus gem: The nightly evening services
- Most asked tour question: “Can freshmen bring a car on campus?”
Claire Schmidt
Interior architecture and design, Class of 2027
From sharing lakefront study spots to talking about internships and career goals, Claire enjoys helping prospective students picture themselves at Concordia. Originally from Menasha, Wis., Schmidt is studying interior architecture and design and plans to graduate in fall 2027. Rarely without an iced vanilla matcha with vanilla cold foam in hand, she brings the same upbeat energy to her campus tours as the song she chose to represent her style, “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons.
Schmidt appreciates the way Concordia encourages students to pursue their career goals while growing personally along the way.
Here’s what she had to say.
- Favorite spot on campus: The swing bench overlooking the lake
- Go-to campus food order: BLT with Baked Lay’s and a red Gatorade from the Landing
- Best part about Concordia: The co-op program with MIAD and student employment opportunities
- Fun fact about yourself: “I know an elementary level of the Japanese language.”
- Advice for incoming students: “Find what works for you, your path, and your career — not anyone else’s. Sometimes you have to put yourself first, take the chance, and trust where God leads you. It might mean leaving things you love behind, but it gives you growth.”
- Hidden campus gem: The Materials Library
- Most asked tour question: “How many students attend and live on campus?”
Savannah Horton
Public health, Class of 2027
For Savannah, some of the best parts of giving campus tours are meeting prospective students and helping them picture themselves at Concordia. Along the way, she’s always ready to answer questions and share a few of her favorite lakefront views. Originally from Crystal Lake, Ill., Horton is a member of CUW’s Class of 2027, studying public health. Usually seen around campus with an iced vanilla latte topped with cold foam and caramel drizzle, Horton chose “This Is the Life” by Hannah Montana as the song that best reflects her upbeat and optimistic approach to life and campus tours.
Horton enjoys helping students and families feel comfortable during their visit. She hopes prospective students leave campus excited about the possibility of finding their place at Concordia.
Here’s what she had to say.
- Favorite spot on campus: The bluff
- Go-to campus food order: Burrito bowl from the Nest
- Best part about Concordia: The close-knit community environment
- Fun fact about yourself: “I do my own nails, and I run a press-on nail business in my free time that I started in college!”
- Advice for incoming students: “It is totally okay to change your major at some point during college! You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do for your future career. God has a plan!”
- Hidden campus gem: The third- and fifth-floor Coburg balconies
- Most asked tour question: “What does the roommate selection process look like?”
Thank you to our summer student ambassadors for sharing a behind-the-scenes look at their lives on campus and the experiences that have shaped their time at Concordia.
Interested in learning more about CUW? Read “Click, Explore, Belong: CUW’s Virtual Campus Tour.”
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.